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32 Wonderful Christmas Movies

Nothing compares to watching a beautiful Christmas film with your family and friends during the holidays! These outstanding motion pictures often feature a perfect blend between drama, comedy and action, which is why they are so loved by children and adults alike. Whether you prefer to watch the older masterpieces or contemporary Christmas movies, you’ll clearly find something to your liking in our following list of 32 wonderful Christmas movies. Just get some hot cocoa and a warm blanket and get ready to embark in memorable Christmas adventures from the comfort of your own home!

Christmas Bounty (2013)

If you feel like watching a newer Christmas movie for a change, you might want to consider Christmas Bounty. The movie was produced by WWE Studios and features Mike “The Miz” Miserain, Chelan Simmons, Will Greenburg and Francisa Riasa. This action-packed comedy tells the story of a former bounty hunter named Tory who is now an elementary school teacher. Even though she is trying to keep her past a secret, she is eventually dragged back into old habits when she returns home for Christmas.

Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (2003)

Christmas Vacation 2 premiered on December 20, 2003, and it was made-for-TV by National Lampoon. The main stars of the film are Miriam Flynn and Randy Quaid playing Catherine and Cousin Eddie respectively. The plot involves Cousin Eddie working at a nuclear facility alongside a monkey, but he is actually fired since the monkey continues to be better than him in every way. Consequently, Cousin Eddie talks to his boss, who is convinced that he is about to get sued, and so he offers Eddie a free vacation to an island in the South Pacific for him and his family. The adventure that follows is incredible!

Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas (2013)

A Madea Christmas is a contemporary comedy/drama holiday film that is produced and written by Tyler Perry. As the first holiday-themed film created by the famous writer and director, Tyler Perry actually plays a key part in it himself as none other than Mabel “Madea” Simmons. The film tells the story of Madea – a tough grandmother that is forced to help her niece pay her daughter a surprise visit for Christmas.

A Golden Christmas 3 (2012)

“A Golden Christmas 3″ is a lovely movie that was released in 2012 starring Shantel VanSanten as Heather Hartly and Rob Mayes as Bobby Alden. Bobby is a naval officer who is finally returning home after serving for his country overseas. Heather is dreaming about becoming a director on Broadway but is stuck with overseeing the production of the Dickens’ Christmas Carol. As we’ve come to expect from a “Golden Christmas”, the plot involves several golden retrievers as well as a touching love story.

A Princess for Christmas (2011)

This movie involves royalty and Christmas, which is always a spectacular combination. The story revolves around a young woman named Jules Daly (Katie McGrath) who travels with her niece and nephew to a fabulous Castle in Europe at the invitation of a distant relative. Once there, the magic happens and she eventually falls in love with a charming Prince.

Christmas with Holly (2012)

“Christmas with Holly” has a great mix of drama and joy, but what makes it really fantastic is the fact that it ends up highlighting the importance of family. The story involves a 6-year-old girl that becomes greatly troubled by her mother’s death, which is why she stops talking. She is being taken care of by her 3 uncles, who are doing their best to help her get through this difficult time in her life.

A Christmas Wish (2011)

This incredible Christmas film tells the story of Martha Evans, who is definitely not going through the best time of her life. Martha was recently abandoned by her husband and actually became homeless, which forced her to leave town in search for a job in order to support her two daughters and stepson. She does indeed find work at a rural diner, but since she has bills to pay and a broken car, things aren’t looking up at all for Martha. However, her luck is soon about to change as Christmas gets closer and closer, and she eventually ends up enjoying the most fantastic holiday of her life.

So This is Christmas (2013)

This movie was released in 2013 and showcases the story of an eighteen-year old young woman named Ashley, who’s recently going through some major changes in her life. She doesn’t have the best friends and her family is constantly surrounded by drama, which is why she immediately jumps at the chance to volunteer for a Christmas play with less fortunate children. She soon finds great joy in her work and tries to help her troubled family.

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

This movie would definitely appeal to those who enjoy a different approach to a Christmas movie. While this film is undoubtedly related to Christmas and Santa Claus, it tells the story from a thrilling perspective. Santa is unearthed in an archaeological dig in Finland, and soon after, several children start disappearing. A father and his boy decide to take a stand and capture Santa in order to sell him back to the company that sponsored the dig in the first place. However, Santa’s elves are very determined to free their beloved leader.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

There aren’t many movies out there that focus on “love on second sight”, but this one is just a little bit different. While You Were Sleeping tells the story of Lucy – a very lonely woman that ends up saving the life of a man named Peter. Unfortunately, Peter is left unconscious but Lucy definitely takes this opportunity to get closer and closer to his family. Eventually, Peter’s brother enters the picture and falls madly in love with Lucy, who definitely shares his feelings as well.

White Christmas (1954)

No Christmas holiday is complete without watching the 1954 White Christmas musical directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby. The film includes a few famous plays such as “Sisters”, “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” and “Blue Skies”, and it also impresses with the lovely “White Christmas” song. The plot involves Bob Wallace and Phil Davis – former soldiers that are performing on Broadway. They are soon joined by sisters Betty and Judy Haines and they all embark on a journey to Vermont where they plan to celebrate a snowy, white Christmas. The adventures begin when Crosby and Kaye find out that their former army general owns a mountain lodge that is on the verge of bankruptcy.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the third National Lampoon movie, and it was released in 1989. The story involves the Griswold family, more specifically Clark Wilhelm Griswold Jr. as he is desperately trying to organize the perfect family Christmas celebrations. Unfortunately, things don’t go according to plan regarding guests or decorations, but the family eventually manages to enjoy a memorable Christmas despite all problems. The cast includes Chevy Chase, Beverly D’angelo and Johnny Galecki.

Bad Santa (2003)

Bad Santa is an American comedy directed by Terry Zwigoff. The main cast members are Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac and Lauren Graham, while Tony Cox, Brett Kelly and Lauren Tom play supporting roles. The adventure begins with Willie and Marcus’ annual habit of robbing malls while being dressed as Santa Claus and his elf. This year though, their robbing spree is stopped by an 8-year-old who shows them the true meaning of Christmas.

Scrooged (1988)

Scrooged is a funny film that was inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. The movie is directed by Richard Donner and portrays the story of Francis Xavier “Frank” Cross (Bill Murray) – a successful yet cynic TV producer who loses the love of his life as well as the support of his family because of his unending ambition. His life changes dramatically when he is visited by the ghost of his former mentor, Lew Hayward. His is afterwards visited by the three famous Christmas ghosts: The Ghost of Christmas Past, The Ghost of Christmas Present and The Ghost of Christmas Future. The ghosts help him turn his life around and eventually allow him to become a better person.

Home Alone (1990)

The hilarious Home Alone from movie from 1990 was written by John Huges and directed by Christ Columbus. The film portrays the adventures of Kevin McCallister – an 8 year-old boy who is left home alone by his family on Christmas. Things look pretty ordinary at the beginning for Kevin until 2 robbers attempt to break in. He boy faces the robbers on his own terms by setting numerous traps for them. This is a hilarious Christmas film that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

The Muppet Christmas Carol was launched in 1992 by Walt Disney Pictures after the death of Jim Henso, the creator of the Muppets. The movie tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine), who is portrayed as a selfish man who never gives gifts but chases merrymakers away and exploits his employees. However, he is eventually visited by the 3 famous Christmas ghosts that take him on a wonderful journey into the past, present and future. At the end of this spiritual trip, Scrooge is reborn into a gentler, better man. This movie is great for children because it features lovely Christmas songs as well as numerous funny moments.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is an animated film directed by Henry Sellic. The story involves Jack Skellington – the pumpkin-king of Halloween Town, who decides to change things up a bit on Halloween. He discovers Christmas town by accident and decides to swap Halloween for Christmas. He eventually abducts Santa Claus and takes on his responsibilities, but things get really complicated when the time comes to deliver presents to children. With a fantastic mix of Christmas and Halloween elements, The Nightmare Before Christmas is wonderful movie to see during the holidays.

Gremlins (1984)

The executive producer of Gremlins is none other than Steven Spielberg, and that says a lot! This black comedy stars Zach Calligan as William “Billy” Peltzer – a little boy who receives a rather unusual gift from his dad on Christmas. The gift is actually a small and hairy creature named Mogwai, which comes with a very specific set of instructions: the Mogwai should never be wet, exposed to bright light or fed after midnight. However, the young boy does not follow up on any of these rules, which is why his little pet begins to wreak havoc in town.

Elf (2003)

Elf is a fantastic comedy that features a funny and charming story that would definitely help you get into the Christmas spirit. Will Ferrell is William “Buddy” Hobbs – a child in an orphanage who ends up into Santa Claus’ sack of treats and presents. He eventually reaches the North Pole where he is adopted by an elf, but he later finds out that his real family is in New York. He leaves to search for them while trying to revive the Christmas spirit in the city.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

This classic Christmas film directed by George Seaton portrays a society that has forgotten about Christmas miracles and about Santa Claus. Kriss Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) is a nice old man who definitely has what it takes to be Santa Claus. He lands a job at a supermarket as Santa at the request of a woman named Doris, and he quickly becomes one of the most beloved men in New York. However, things get complicated when Kris Kringle beings to claim that he is, in fact, the real Santa Claus. Doris trained herself and her own daughter to reject all notions regarding Christmas miracles, which is why she struggles to accept Kringle’s identity. Eventually, Kriss finds himself institutionalized at the Bellevue hospital, but Fred Gaily (a friend of Doris) offers to represent him in court in order to secure his release.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

It’s a Wonderful Life is definitely one of the most exceptional Christmas movies to be produced so far. This 1946 masterpiece was directed by Frank Capra and stars none other than James Stewart as George Bailey. On Christmas, George ends up receiving the best gift of all: his own life. Having suicidal thoughts, George is stopped by an angel who shows him exactly what the world would have been like without him in it. Stunned by what he just witnessed, George begins to value his life more than ever.

A Christmas Story (1983)

A Christmas Story is a wonderful 1983 comedy that stars Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin. The story revolves around a young boy named Ralphie who settled on a Red Rider BB rifle as his Christmas present. However, his mother is not exactly sympathetic, nor is his teacher, both stating that he will probably “shoot his eye out” if he obtains this rather dangerous present. Finally, when Santa Claus himself gives Ralphie the same old response to his request, the boy looses all hope. However, someone might have a surprise in store for him.

Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)

The story portrayed in this adventure/comedy/fantasy film starts off centuries ago when the man who would become Santa Claus became immortal and was tasked with delivering gifts to children from all over the world. The focus then shifts on modern times and tells the story of a head elf named Patch, who gets caught up in the dealings of an evil toy maker who plans to put Santa Claus out of business. Main cast members include John Lithgow, David Huddleston and Dudley Moore.

The Santa Clause (1994)

The Santa Clause is about a man named Scott Calvin, who unintentionally startles Santa while he is on his roof and causes him to retire “permanently”. He then puts on Santa’s famous suit and carries out the old man’s job in his place, and when he eventually reaches the North Pole, he is informed that he is now, in fact, Santa. Some physical changes follow, including a dramatic gain in weight and a white beard that just won’t go away. This is a fantastic comedy/ drama that will surely get you and your family into the Christmas spirit in no time.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

If you ever wondered how Santa manages to send all those presents in just one night, then you should definitely watch Arthur Christmas. The movie depicts Arthur – Santa’s son, who has a very important mission to complete before Christmas morning arrives. Arthur decides to use his father’s advanced operation in order to fulfill his own goals. Hilarity follows.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

The classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) is told in a vivid and hilarious way through this fantastic animated movie by Walt Disney. Scrooge is a grumpy old man who is visited by the 3 famous Christmas ghosts. They each show him different parts of his life, namely his past, his present and his potential grim future. Scrooge is eventually forced to choose between certain death and redemption.

Mon Oncle Antoine (1971)

The story is set in Quebec and follows the upbringing of a young boy named Benoit, who is secretly in love with a girl named Carmen. The girl works at the town’s general store that is owned by Antoine and Cecile, but sadly her wages are taken each month by her abusive father. The film gradually unveils the secrets and insecurities of the main characters, especially those of Antoine, who usually appears quite unemotional.

Joyeux Noël (2005)

This is undoubtedly one of the most heartwarming and dramatic movies on our list because it tells the story of how humanity eventually prevailed in a time of great conflict. The film is set in 1914 during World War I, and it depicts 2 armies on opposite sides that eventually put aside their differences and agree to celebrate Christmas together on the battlefront. Even though the Scottish, German and French soldiers are well aware that their superiors would not agree to their fraternization, they prove that Christmas has the power to bring all people together. The movie is based on a true story, which makes it even more incredible.

A Christmas Tale (2008)

This fantastic French comedy/drama portrays the Vuillard family, which comprises Junon and Abel, their daughter Elizabeth, her son Paul, Henri and his girlfriend and numerous other cousins. Six years ago, Elizabeth agreed to pay off several of Henri’s debts but asked that in return he would never see her again or visit their parents’ house. Junon is in need of a bone marrow transplant, and 2 family members are compatible donors. However, due to the members’ numerous arguments and differences, saving Junon’s life might become problematic, not to mention that she might even refuse the transplant in the first place.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

This film follows the wicked and spiteful Grinch creature as he attempts to steal Christmas away from his neighbors: the Whos – the inhabitants of Whoville, a land that can be found inside a snowflake. The Grinch is played by none other than Jim Carrey, and as the story progresses, he is eventually befriended by a small child named Cindy Lou Who.

The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express is a wonderful Christmas animated movie that was released in 2004. Starring Tom Hanks, the film takes its viewers on a journey alongside a young boy who embarks on a magical train ride towards the ultimate destination: the North Pole and Santa’s house.

The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

The Bishop’s Wife is about a bishop named Henry Brougham, who is very involved in the creation of a new cathedral. As he is struggling to make his dream a reality, the bishop starts to lose his way, which is why an angel named Dudley arrives to help him. However, Dudley has his own unique way of helping people, and Henry doesn’t really like him at all at first.